Christmas Morning

 

We had a close call Christmas Eve. Josh and I were up several hours wrapping all the gifts. We had just finished and crawled into bed and we hear dashing feet thru the house...Malakai has announced Santa came! Since it was only midnight and no way sleepy Silas would wake up we told him to wait a few hours. We crawled back into bed, I went to check on him several times during the night worried he would be steaming tape off presents, he was sleeping sitting up on the couch! Finally he could wait no longer at 5 am. What a wonderful time we had. Josh and I are blessed that we can give the kids things that they want. My Grandma came up around 7 and we cooked a breakfast buffet. I thought I had taken more pictures, but I was so enjoying watching the kids open their presents I think it got away from me. But you can see 3 sleepy eyed boys, with bed hair and smiles! The perfect way to celebrate Christmas morning.

Christmas Eve

 

Traditions were a little off this year, so my brother and sister in law hosted Christmas Eve. Great Grandma and Great Grandpa joined us as well. We had tasty prime rib with all the fixings, and more dessert than we could eat. Katie set a beautiful table! She even made Shirley Temples for the kids, they were definetely spoiled with many gifts and Christmas stockings as well. We are so thankful for Eric and Katie!

Christmas with Friends

 

This year we had a little Christmas party with the Andrews family! We had a wonderful time exchanging gifts, eating and playing some cards! With 7 kids in the house there was lots of fun. Heidi and I actually gave each other the same gift, a Willow tree figurine! It's great to have good friends!

Snow Day

 

Josh and the kids played in the snow endlessly! They made 4 snowmen and 1 snow-woman! They made a huge snowfort complete with windows and as Josh put it some architectual interests, complete with snow seating inside. They would play outside for hours, until mom made them come in and put snow pants on, hats and real gloves, then for some reason they lost interest real quick. Probably because they couldn't move much.

Twinkle Twinkle my little star

 

Zion was so adorable at his preschool concert today! He is such a shy little guy, his shy smile would melt your heart. Our 2010 Christmas concert season is complete!

Fal la la la Ho Ho Ho

 

Malakai had is 2nd grade concert last night. He looked so handsome, in what he calls his fancy sweater! The kids had so much energy and excitement it was amazing! Malakai was so well behaved and is such an amzing son, I am blessed. He was very lucky to have so much family there to show support.

Happy Birthday Jesus

 

Silas and his classmates put on a wonderful Christmas program. It was a bittersweet thing for mama watching my preschooler, knowing next fall he'll be a kindergartner! I am blessed with a sweet amazing little boy, who shows such compassion for all 2 legged and 4 legged friends.

The perfect Christmas Tree

 

I have many memories of going to the mountains and cutting our Christmas trees. I decided this year we would continue the tradition. I wondered how my Grandma still managed to feed us chili, brownies and hot cocoa for so many years. When I was trying to manage Silas with his BB gun and Zion getting lost in snow drifts. Josh was apprehensive but soon caught up in the fun. I found the first tree and we shook the snow from it and well to put it nicely it was much prettier covered in snow. After miles of walking with lots of snow fights, snow licking, snow falling (me), we found the tree! I am hoping it is prettier than the first, but to me with the experiences I was able to share with my kids and husband it's the perfect Christmas tree!

All I want for Christmas

 

 

We took the kids to Toppenish Railroad station to see Santa. This kids love riding the train to the North Pole! Mom had to do some quick talking as to if this was the real Santa or one of Santa's many helpers. Malakai logically said, if it was the real Santa there would have been a lot more people in line to sit on his lap! It was really a special day that we enjoyed with the kids!

Hitting the Slopes

 

The boys were fast and furious tonight! I may have been frozen to the bone with no feeling in my fingers and toes but they were flying down the hill and running back up. I said a prayer each time one launched off. Zion always going head first, Malakai the speed demon with no use for breaks and Silas always taking the running start. My 3 amazing little boys, with red cheeks had a great time sledding tonight!

Snow Day

 

The boys' noses where stuck to the window last night eagerly watching the huge flakes fall. They each ran out the door in pajamas to dance in the fresh snow. Malakai was up till nearly midnight so excited, anticipating snow day! Luckily his school had a two hour delay. The kids were so excited to dive in! Malakai decided to use the deck as a launch for his sled. I think the boys may have some bruised bums tomorrow! With red cheeks, and cold fingers snow day was a great one! Although not complete until after some hot chocolate to warm them!

USA Wrestling

 

This past week we had the first USA wrestling practice of the year. Silas has been waiting for a long time to be on the mat. We warned him that he would have to wrestle kids a lot bigger than him in order to wrestle. He didn't care, he has the heart of a giant and was ready to hit the mat! Malakai is returning for his 3rd year. I am amazed at how Silas is picking up the moves and the true dedication he is showing. Malakai is playing the cool big brother, showing Silas the ropes. We are excited to see the boys wrestle at a tournament. Of course now Zion is on the sidelines anticipating his turn!

Fall Camping Trip

 

 

We have been looking for a tent trailer for a long time! We finally found a great deal but of course summer was long over. Josh and I wanted to go camping for our 5th anniversary before we needed to put the trailer away for winter. We went to squaw rock up in Naches. The kids had a great time and the trailer was perfect for our family. We also got to visit Josh's grandma and aunt. The kids really had a great time with their grandma. She had all kinds of treats for them and was very sweet. We also met, "Laurie's deer." Josh's Aunt Laurie has pet deer that will come up in their yard where she will feed them apples. We got to see several deer stop by and the kids were able to throw some apples there way. We are all excited about many summer camping trip and adventures!

Zion Before and After

 

Zion and his new hair! His beautiful curls survived the cut! I am blessed with a kind hearted beautiful boy who warms my heart.

Zion before and after

 

We finally made the cut on Zion's hair. A few months ago he got it trimmed for school. But he decided he wanted more cut off. His little curls even survived the cut! They are adorable and are so angelic. I am blessed with a beautiful son, who warms our hearts in such a beautiful way.

Silas and Zion Stop, Drop and Roll

 

Silas and Zions preschool class went on a field trip to the Fire Station. I believe the kids were a little dissapointed that Chief was unable to lead the tour, but they were able to see him while they were there. The kids learned about all the different rigs and tools that the Firefighters need to rescue people. They even got to ride on a bus to the fire station, they were really excited about that! The kids were all so cute! They really enjoyed the stop, drop and roll activity. What a great opporuntunity for these little guys!

Halloween

 

We had a wonderful Halloween! Lots of fun times and lots of candy. They kids had to know who had the most candy at the end of the night so we weighed there bags. Of course at bedtime they were already full of ideas on what they want to be next year! :)

Leaves of Fun

 

Silas and Zion have been waiting and waiting for the leaves on our trees to fall so that they could rake piles up and jump in them! I was trying to clean house and get ready for Halloween but I couldn't resist joining in on the fun, and of course take pictures! :)

Malakai visits the Seahawks

 

Malakai was given Seahawk tickets on his 7th birthday. It was a long 2 month wait for the 7 year old who has talked of little else than to see the Hawks play. Not only did he get to see them play he saw it from some of the best seats! Thanks to Uncle Eric and Aunt Katie (and Aunt Katie's dad) he had an amazing experiene. I stayed up late the night before tying a blanket for him. Of course he said he never ended up using it! lol But still a mom has to try! He is still talking about his trip to Seattle to see the Seahawks play. He said there was a million people there! What an amazing day for an amazing little boy.

Got busted

 

Today was Malakai's halloween party in his 2nd grade class. He decided he wanted to be a convict! lol Much to my surprise my sweet oldest baby! He sure made one cute convict! We had a lot of fun!

Preschool Harvest Party

 

Silas and Zion had their preschool harvest party today. Yesterday the kids and I made orange and black cookies and stuffed treat bags with goodies for them to hand out to their friends! All the kids were so precious and adorable! Silas has known for months he wanted to be a shark! You would think shark costume would be easy to find, Nope! Thank goodness for Ebay! My Aunt made Zion's costume. He was so adorable. He is going thru a I love purple faze so the clown idea was born. Much of the patchwork on Zion's vest I recognize from various blankets and projects my aunt has made. It is such a neat keepsake. We are blessed with a talented Auntie! With two kids in preschool, Zion asked if my mom could come help his class. We were glad to have the extra help! There were lots of projects and fun to be had in a small amount of time. What a great day! Now for Malakai's party on Friday and Halloween festivities this weekend!

Pumpkin Memories

 

Today we carved pumpkins! What a great time we had. Zion could not remember carving pumpkins so it was fun to watch him. He had careful precision like a surgeon, he was determined to do the work himself! Aunt Katie got the job of helping him, she had the patience of an angel. Silas said he wanted his pumpkin to look just like him. Josh drew it out so the pumpking was missing his two front teeth. lol Silas was happy with the results. Malakai and I knocked his pumpkin out in no time! Now they are sitting on our deck waiting for the candles and are ready to shine! Great pumpkin memories!

New Quads

 

Silas and Zion have been waiting quite patiently for their own real quads. We found a couple great deal this weekend on two of them! Silas got the one with the racks and Zion got the cameo one. They are very excited to ride! Of course lots of pictures to come!